Bennett lands Wales coaching role

Former Wales hooker Huw Bennett has been appointed as Wales assistant strength and conditioning coach.

The 30-year-old, who made 51 appearances for Wales, will begin his role with the national squad management tomorrow.

With a degree in Sports Science from Swansea University, as a player Bennett appeared in three Rugby World Cups, won two Grand Slams and lifted four league titles.

It's this rugby experience and understanding which was crucial in the recruitment of Bennett according to Head of Physical Performance, Adam Beard.

"We are delighted to be able to bring in Huw, who has a wealth of rugby experience combined with his unique conditioning knowledge and passion," said Beard.

"We were extremely impressed with him during the recruitment stage, which was highly competitive and this was aided by his understanding of the national squad set-up.

"His knowledge of the requirements of what it takes to perform at the highest level will be extremely important to us as we continue our preparations ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

"With his specialist skills Huw will complement our existing department and form a crucial part of our team as we continue working towards developing and maintaining the very best athletes in Welsh rugby."

Bennett retired from rugby in 2013, playing his final match for Wales in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations and he is delighted to be re-joining the national squad set-up.

"I'm extremely excited to be joining the backroom team and to take up the new role," said Bennett.

"It's an environment I know very well having been involved in it for 10 to 12 years as a player and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to return in this capacity.

"The squad has gone through a lot of success in recent years and with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner it's an exciting time to be involved.

"For me it's a great opportunity to bring together my degree in Sports Science, my passion for strength and conditioning and my rugby experience to hopefully add value and complement the existing performance department."

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